expression
a neighbour is better than a relative living far away
Proverb meaning that a nearby stranger who can help in daily life is more valuable than a distant relative. Often cited as 遠くの親類より近くの他人 with 親類 instead of 親戚.
See also: 遠くの親類より近くの他人 (とおくのしんるいよりちかくのたにん)
「遠くの親戚より近くの他人」というように、いざというときは近所の人が頼りになる。
As the saying goes, 'a neighbour is better than a relative living far away'; in an emergency, people nearby are the ones you can count on.
Variant with 親類 (しんるい) instead of 親戚 (しんせき); essentially the same meaning and usage.
A traditional Japanese proverb contrasting the practical value of nearby acquaintances with distant family ties. The exact origin is uncertain.